"Regulation of abortion. Because Kansans value both women and children, the constitution of the state of Kansas does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion. To the extent permitted by the constitution of the United States, the people, through their elected state representatives and state senators, may pass laws regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, laws that account for circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or circumstances of necessity to save the life of the mother."
Pro-life leaders gave two potential explanations for the loss. The wording of the amendment may have been confusing, and pro-abortion organizations used false information and large amounts of spending to urge voters to oppose the amendment.
National Right to Life President Carol Tobias responded to the vote with the following statement:
"Sadly, thousands and thousands of babies will die in Kansas.
Lies about ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and false claims that women who have abortions would be prosecuted, promulgated by the media and the abortion industry, resulted in a tragic loss for women and their unborn babies.
Contrary to those lies, pro-life legislation allows the removal of ectopic pregnancies and other procedures to save the life of the mother, the treatment of miscarriages, and does not impose any penalties on women who have abortions. Over 70 pro-life organizations signed a statement opposing criminal penalties for women who have abortions."
Kentucky is set to have a similar amendment on its ballot this November.
